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Ursula Blanchard #20
Shadow of Spain
As King Philip of Spain prepares to invade England, Ursula heads to Brussels on a desperate mission in this compelling Tudor mystery.
March, 1588. With England in a state of high alert as King Philip of Spain amasses a vast fleet of warships ready to invade, Queen Elizabeth and her advisors seek a possible alliance with the Duke of Parma, Governor of the Netherlands. But their plans suffer a major setback when one of their most reliable spies is found murdered in the Hertfordshire countryside, shot dead by a crossbow bolt as he was transporting secret correspondence between the queen and the duke.
The queen’s half-sister and occasional secret agent, Ursula Stannard, is happy not to be involved for once. But when Ursula’s ward Mildred elopes with the handsome yet mysterious Berend Gomez, Ursula is forced to follow the pair to Brussels, where she finds herself plunged into a hotbed of intrigue and rumour at the Duke of Parma’s court, a place where no one is to be trusted.
Can Ursula rescue Mildred, effect an alliance with the duke, and stay alive in the process? The future of England depends on it.
March, 1588. With England in a state of high alert as King Philip of Spain amasses a vast fleet of warships ready to invade, Queen Elizabeth and her advisors seek a possible alliance with the Duke of Parma, Governor of the Netherlands. But their plans suffer a major setback when one of their most reliable spies is found murdered in the Hertfordshire countryside, shot dead by a crossbow bolt as he was transporting secret correspondence between the queen and the duke.
The queen’s half-sister and occasional secret agent, Ursula Stannard, is happy not to be involved for once. But when Ursula’s ward Mildred elopes with the handsome yet mysterious Berend Gomez, Ursula is forced to follow the pair to Brussels, where she finds herself plunged into a hotbed of intrigue and rumour at the Duke of Parma’s court, a place where no one is to be trusted.
Can Ursula rescue Mildred, effect an alliance with the duke, and stay alive in the process? The future of England depends on it.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2021
About the author
Fiona Buckley
64 books193 followersValerie Anand is a British author of historical fiction. Under the pen name Fiona Buckley she writes the series of historical mysteries, set in the reign of Elizabeth I of England, featuring "Ursula Blanchard" (whose full name is Ursula Faldene Blanchard de la Roche Stannard). Under her own name she writes historical fiction based on the royalty of England and the Bridges over Time series which follows a family from the eleventh century through the nineteenth century.
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
Series:
* Ursula Blanchard
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 15, 2022
Shadow of Spain, the latest entry in Fiona Buckley’s Ursula Blanchard series, is an exciting story set in the unsettled and dangerous time as Philip of Spain is threatening an invasion of England. Queen Elizabeth is involved in secret diplomacy with the Duke of Parma of the Netherlands to ensure he keeps his army at home. Meanwhile, there are intrigues a foot and, while not personally involved, Ursula cannot help but become close to some of the activity. After all, she is half sister to the queen and has acted as messenger for her in the past.
The plot is complex, with overlapping plots involving the messenger/spies employed by the countries involved, Ursula’s ward Mildred, and important trips to Brussels. I don’t want to give all plot; that is summarized in many places. What I do want to mention is the inclusion of helpful summaries of Ursula’s background with the court and Elizabeth and of her relationship with her sister in what is an odd and unequal relationship. I appreciated this closer look into the reality of Ursula’s life and emotions.
I continue to recommend this series. The tale here is compelling. I did have a minor quibble with the presentation of part of the story as it is told to Ursula in the form of letters. It’s not unusual that the letters would have been written to Ursula by this character. The issue I had was that this was the only means to get the information into the novel. By the time I finished reading, my concern had faded quite a bit as everything fell into place so well.
Rating 4 to 4.5.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is complex, with overlapping plots involving the messenger/spies employed by the countries involved, Ursula’s ward Mildred, and important trips to Brussels. I don’t want to give all plot; that is summarized in many places. What I do want to mention is the inclusion of helpful summaries of Ursula’s background with the court and Elizabeth and of her relationship with her sister in what is an odd and unequal relationship. I appreciated this closer look into the reality of Ursula’s life and emotions.
I continue to recommend this series. The tale here is compelling. I did have a minor quibble with the presentation of part of the story as it is told to Ursula in the form of letters. It’s not unusual that the letters would have been written to Ursula by this character. The issue I had was that this was the only means to get the information into the novel. By the time I finished reading, my concern had faded quite a bit as everything fell into place so well.
Rating 4 to 4.5.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 26, 2021
WOW! This book is phenomenal! It is gripping, intriguing, full of history, full of twists and turns, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "Shadow of Spain", I was whisked back in time to the Elizabethan Era, and went on such an adventure with this story.
The Tudor and Elizabethan Eras are two of my favorite eras to read about, and as soon as I saw that this novel is set during this time, I just knew I needed to read it! This is the 20th book in Fiona Buckley's "An Ursula Blanchard Mystery" series, but is the first I have read. I definitely think this book can work as a stand-alone novel, and I can't wait to read the previous books in the series as well! Ms. Buckley's storytelling is simply spectacular. She brings the past vividly to life right before the reader's eyes, and she seamlessly weaves history and fiction together to create a story that is rich in historical detail. I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Buckley must have done, and her passion for writing is so clear.
Queen Elizabeth I's court is preparing for an invasion by King Philip II of Spain, which will become known as the Spanish Armada. Elizabeth is also hoping to form an alliance with the Duke of Parma, who is Philip II's nephew. During a meeting, Elizabeth, Ursula, and some of the queen's other advisers find out that one of their spies has been murdered, but, they do not know by whom. Ursula, Elizabeth's half-sister and a secret agent, is told that it is possible she will need to flee to safety should England be attacked. However, when Ursula's ward, Mildred, runs away and elopes with a man whom she hardly knows, Ursula and her friend Christopher follow the couple to where they believe the couple has gone, the Duke's court.. Did the man Mildred marry actually marry her for the right reasons? Will Ursula be able to find Mildred? Who can be trusted, and who can't? What happens once the Philip II's ships come to England? With lots of spying, double-crossing, alliances, lies, secrets, and more, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy historical fiction and / or historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages chapter after chapter to see what would happen next, and I read the book in one day as I absolutely could not put it down! I hope this series continues, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Buckley writes next.
Thank you so much to Canongate Books-Severn House for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The Tudor and Elizabethan Eras are two of my favorite eras to read about, and as soon as I saw that this novel is set during this time, I just knew I needed to read it! This is the 20th book in Fiona Buckley's "An Ursula Blanchard Mystery" series, but is the first I have read. I definitely think this book can work as a stand-alone novel, and I can't wait to read the previous books in the series as well! Ms. Buckley's storytelling is simply spectacular. She brings the past vividly to life right before the reader's eyes, and she seamlessly weaves history and fiction together to create a story that is rich in historical detail. I can only imagine the amount of research Ms. Buckley must have done, and her passion for writing is so clear.
Queen Elizabeth I's court is preparing for an invasion by King Philip II of Spain, which will become known as the Spanish Armada. Elizabeth is also hoping to form an alliance with the Duke of Parma, who is Philip II's nephew. During a meeting, Elizabeth, Ursula, and some of the queen's other advisers find out that one of their spies has been murdered, but, they do not know by whom. Ursula, Elizabeth's half-sister and a secret agent, is told that it is possible she will need to flee to safety should England be attacked. However, when Ursula's ward, Mildred, runs away and elopes with a man whom she hardly knows, Ursula and her friend Christopher follow the couple to where they believe the couple has gone, the Duke's court.. Did the man Mildred marry actually marry her for the right reasons? Will Ursula be able to find Mildred? Who can be trusted, and who can't? What happens once the Philip II's ships come to England? With lots of spying, double-crossing, alliances, lies, secrets, and more, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
If you enjoy historical fiction and / or historical mysteries, I highly recommend this book! It kept me turning the pages chapter after chapter to see what would happen next, and I read the book in one day as I absolutely could not put it down! I hope this series continues, and I can't wait to read what Ms. Buckley writes next.
Thank you so much to Canongate Books-Severn House for the ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 29, 2023
Great storyline, a quick read
January 3, 2022
Shadow of Spain is the twentieth in Fiona Buckley’s wonderful Ursula Blanchard series, which is (full disclosure) one of my favorite mystery series. So I was very happy to receive an advance copy of this soon-to-be-published title to review. And Shadow is a great addition to the series.
As the book opens, England is nervously preparing for a potential invasion by the Spanish Armada. Spain’s King Philip II is determined to “return England to the true faith”, and also stop English interference with Spain’s activities in the Netherlands and in the New World. Queen Elizabeth I and her courtiers have engaged their network of spies to find out more about Philip’s plans for the Armada, and at the same time are also trying to persuade Philip’s nephew, the Duke of Parma, who is in charge in the Netherlands, not to support the invasion. At first, there’s not much role for Ursula in all of this high-level statecraft. But when one of Elizabeth’s spies gets murdered not far from one of Ursula’s properties, and then her ward, Mildred, elopes to Parma’s court with another of Elizabeth’s spies, she gets involved.
When we think about the Armada these days, we do it knowing that the invasion was unsuccessful and the fleet was largely destroyed, due both to the efforts of the English Navy and the Channel’s treacherous weather. So I especially enjoyed Buckley’s take on what life was like in England during the run-up to the invasion, before anyone knew how it would turn out, and people were terrified that any day Spanish soldiers might turn up at their doors. But it’s not only the big picture of Elizabethan history that makes Shadow (and the whole series) such an engaging book. It’s the descriptions of the small things too. Somehow Buckley makes even the ordinary seem fascinating as Ursula juggles being a parent to her young son, managing her various properties, running her horse breeding business, and doing a bit of spying for the Queen. And of course, there are also some heart-stopping moments as Ursula follows Mildred to the Spanish Netherlands and back.
All-in-all, Shadow of Spain is a wonderful historical novel, served with a side of murder. Perhaps its only flaw is that if you are looking for a traditional mystery, where the murder is the main focus of the plot, and the protagonist follows clues to figure out the culprit, this isn’t really that. But if you are looking for a page-turner of a tale, where the murder does also eventually get solved, go buy this book! And finally, my thanks go to Canongate Books/Severn House and to NetGalley for the advance review copy.
As the book opens, England is nervously preparing for a potential invasion by the Spanish Armada. Spain’s King Philip II is determined to “return England to the true faith”, and also stop English interference with Spain’s activities in the Netherlands and in the New World. Queen Elizabeth I and her courtiers have engaged their network of spies to find out more about Philip’s plans for the Armada, and at the same time are also trying to persuade Philip’s nephew, the Duke of Parma, who is in charge in the Netherlands, not to support the invasion. At first, there’s not much role for Ursula in all of this high-level statecraft. But when one of Elizabeth’s spies gets murdered not far from one of Ursula’s properties, and then her ward, Mildred, elopes to Parma’s court with another of Elizabeth’s spies, she gets involved.
When we think about the Armada these days, we do it knowing that the invasion was unsuccessful and the fleet was largely destroyed, due both to the efforts of the English Navy and the Channel’s treacherous weather. So I especially enjoyed Buckley’s take on what life was like in England during the run-up to the invasion, before anyone knew how it would turn out, and people were terrified that any day Spanish soldiers might turn up at their doors. But it’s not only the big picture of Elizabethan history that makes Shadow (and the whole series) such an engaging book. It’s the descriptions of the small things too. Somehow Buckley makes even the ordinary seem fascinating as Ursula juggles being a parent to her young son, managing her various properties, running her horse breeding business, and doing a bit of spying for the Queen. And of course, there are also some heart-stopping moments as Ursula follows Mildred to the Spanish Netherlands and back.
All-in-all, Shadow of Spain is a wonderful historical novel, served with a side of murder. Perhaps its only flaw is that if you are looking for a traditional mystery, where the murder is the main focus of the plot, and the protagonist follows clues to figure out the culprit, this isn’t really that. But if you are looking for a page-turner of a tale, where the murder does also eventually get solved, go buy this book! And finally, my thanks go to Canongate Books/Severn House and to NetGalley for the advance review copy.
November 10, 2021
A rollicking and very entertaining new addition to Fiona Buckley's marvellous Tudor Mystery Series starring Ursula Stannard, Queen Elizabeth's half sister and talented royal spy.
It's March 1588 and England is facing the imminent invasion of its shores by the formidable Spanish Armada, a huge naval operation orchestred by Philip II of Spain who dearly hopes to bring England back under the Catholic umbrella and avenge Mary Stuart's death....So begins a race against time for the English crown to thwart the voracious ambitions of a dangerous & perfidious foe determined to wreak havoc upon its lands and topple the beloved Virgin Queen from her throne....
Spies, double agents, traitors, murderous shenanigans and a colorful (and at times sinister) cast of characters will take the reader into a frenetic voyage from London to Brussels and to the court of Philip's nephew, the Duke of Parma, the current governor of the Spanish Netherlands where the maps of the impending and much feared invasion must be obtained at all costs.....
Cleverly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, this delightful historical romp is also a very captivating fictional tapestry of a nation on the brink of greatness. Ms Buckley is simply brilliant! So go ahead and enjoy this literary feat whitout any moderation whatsoever👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
It's March 1588 and England is facing the imminent invasion of its shores by the formidable Spanish Armada, a huge naval operation orchestred by Philip II of Spain who dearly hopes to bring England back under the Catholic umbrella and avenge Mary Stuart's death....So begins a race against time for the English crown to thwart the voracious ambitions of a dangerous & perfidious foe determined to wreak havoc upon its lands and topple the beloved Virgin Queen from her throne....
Spies, double agents, traitors, murderous shenanigans and a colorful (and at times sinister) cast of characters will take the reader into a frenetic voyage from London to Brussels and to the court of Philip's nephew, the Duke of Parma, the current governor of the Spanish Netherlands where the maps of the impending and much feared invasion must be obtained at all costs.....
Cleverly plotted with enough twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, this delightful historical romp is also a very captivating fictional tapestry of a nation on the brink of greatness. Ms Buckley is simply brilliant! So go ahead and enjoy this literary feat whitout any moderation whatsoever👍
Many thanks to Netgalley and Canongate/Severn for this terrific ARC
December 31, 2021
Only after requesting this book from Netgalley did I discover that it was already the 20th volume in an elaborate series, however, this wasn't in the least a problem. I found it an interesting and exciting read, which made it difficult to put down.
It's set in a period I'm not overly familiar with, although as a historian I have a substantial basic knowledge of the time frame in Europe. The story is a bit cloak and dagger but I really enjoyed it and it was nice to read a bit more of this time period in England and Scotland. Also loved the parts set in Holland as that is my home country.
Will certainly read another episode in this series if it becomes available.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange form my honest review.
It's set in a period I'm not overly familiar with, although as a historian I have a substantial basic knowledge of the time frame in Europe. The story is a bit cloak and dagger but I really enjoyed it and it was nice to read a bit more of this time period in England and Scotland. Also loved the parts set in Holland as that is my home country.
Will certainly read another episode in this series if it becomes available.
I want to thank Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange form my honest review.
February 3, 2022
This latest novel in the Ursula Blanchard series is different in that Ursula's ward Mildred falls in love with a visiting messenger who is a friend of Christopher Spelton. After the death of Christopher's wife Kate, Mildred had been helping out at the farm and falls in love with Christopher's friend. The next thing anyone knows is Mildred and Berend have eloped and headed off to Spain where Berend is from. Quite a bit of the story is told from Mildred's point of view. Ursula and Christopher take off after her fearing for her safety in Spain since King Philip is threatening to invade England.
August 29, 2025
3.5
Though I continue to be somewhat astounded at the way some of Buckley’s characters seem unfazed by truly traumatic events and overly taken ill at less.. I nevertheless intend to read the further events as this series gives me (I think) a bit of insight into Tudor history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, as well as accurate descriptions of the clothing fashion and food of the times. The novels are short and the mystery or intrigue at the heart of each usually of interest.
Though I continue to be somewhat astounded at the way some of Buckley’s characters seem unfazed by truly traumatic events and overly taken ill at less.. I nevertheless intend to read the further events as this series gives me (I think) a bit of insight into Tudor history during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, as well as accurate descriptions of the clothing fashion and food of the times. The novels are short and the mystery or intrigue at the heart of each usually of interest.
October 22, 2021
This is the first book of the Ursula Stannard series that I have read and I was captivated. You can read this as a stand alone. Ursula is a very unique but easy to bond with character. The story is very good and the author does a good job of keeping the reader engaged. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion
March 3, 2022
3.5 stars. My main quibble with this series is the relationship between Ursula and Queen Elizabeth — I really have to suspend disbelief regarding it. That aside this story is a fascinating peek into life in England as the threat of the Spanish Armada grows ever closer. The mystery is rather slight, making this more of an adventure story.
April 8, 2023
DNF 25%
Yeah I can't with these books anymore. Maybe it's what I've been reading lately but I really don't feel like dealing with old timey slut shaming and pearl clutching. I can't even turn my brain off to get through it.
Also if I have to read about that one time Ursula and Brockley almost fucked, for the nth time, I'm gonna throw something.
Yeah I can't with these books anymore. Maybe it's what I've been reading lately but I really don't feel like dealing with old timey slut shaming and pearl clutching. I can't even turn my brain off to get through it.
Also if I have to read about that one time Ursula and Brockley almost fucked, for the nth time, I'm gonna throw something.
January 4, 2022
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was interesting and action packed. It held my interest and I was eager to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others.
February 11, 2022
This book is set in 1588 around the time of the Spanish Armada. The story takes place in England and the low country. It involves spies and what they do so they can complete their mission. The book was an easy read and an easy way to learn history beyond just dates and facts.
February 20, 2022
This 20th book in the series, shifts the focus from Ursula to the invading Spanish Armada - and to her annoying flibbertigibbet of a ward, Mildred (whose voice carries a significant portion of this novel, to its detriment).
May 22, 2022
This is the latest in this series of mystery/adventures involving the court of Queen Eluzabeth.
Ir is a more personal story more about Ursula's ward and her romantic exploits than serious intrigue. An interesting addition
Ir is a more personal story more about Ursula's ward and her romantic exploits than serious intrigue. An interesting addition
March 14, 2022
As always entertaining story on the brink of Spanish Armada invasion.
May 24, 2023
Great book! Her novels are always so rousing and great fun! I love the main character—Ursula! Keep up the great storytelling!!
October 27, 2023
3.5 stars. No real mystery but plenty of spy intrigue. And I get why Ursula feels responsible for Mildred but she has to stop saving the girl from herself.
October 5, 2024
An interesting tale told in rush manner, surrounded and often overwlmed by a half told historical background and a lot of inconsequential details about the main characters life.
March 25, 2025
please watch my review of this book on you tube deluise book series channel in april
August 10, 2022
March, 1588. With England in a state of high alert as King Philip of Spain amasses a vast fleet of warships ready to invade, Queen Elizabeth and her advisors seek a possible alliance with the Duke of Parma, Governor of the Netherlands. But their plans suffer a major setback when one of their most reliable spies is found murdered in the Hertfordshire countryside, shot dead by a crossbow bolt as he was transporting secret correspondence between the queen and the duke.
The queen’s half-sister and occasional secret agent, Ursula Stannard, is happy not to be involved for once. But when Ursula’s ward Mildred elopes with the handsome yet mysterious Berend Gomez, Ursula is forced to follow the pair to Brussels, where she finds herself plunged into a hotbed of intrigue and rumour at the Duke of Parma’s court, a place where no one is to be trusted.
Can Ursula rescue Mildred, effect an alliance with the duke, and stay alive in the process? The future of England depends on it. (NetGalley synopsis)
I have read all of the Ursula Blanchard series, which means that I have grown attached to many of the characters. Christopher Spelton is one that, I agree with Ursula, got away from her but continues to hold a special place in my heart. Therefore, I cried at Christopher’s loss.
I also understand Ursula. She is tired of “hearing the cry of the wild goose” as she puts it. However, she cannot ignore the plight of her half sister, Queen Elizabeth. I think Ursula and Elizabeth have had such lack of familial ties while younger that they cling to each other in a way that makes England stronger. It is one theme that I enjoy in this series. Elizabeth is strong but not heartless. She knows that she is England, that all of the people are England, and Ursula, though she is a woman, understands that more than the males.
But along with the “goose cry”, Ursula seems to attract strays. In many of the books, she takes in hand a young girl, sometimes a young boy but mainly girls, that the parents have either ignored or are unable to care for. In this novel, Ursula is still dealing with young Mildred. I find this both compassionate but annoying. Each young girl Ursula cares for is ignorant of the world or silly in love with everyone. I find this repetitive. I would like to see Ursula take in a young girl who is just like her, and falls in love with Ursula’s son Harry. Then the series could follow as if Ursula is the true spymaster, a counterpart to Lords William Cecil and Francis Walsingham.
I love this series so much. Not just for the mysteries and adventures, but for the descriptions of everyday life. I love hearing Ursula’s worries and feelings for the different strays and her children, as well as the individuals working at her estates.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
The queen’s half-sister and occasional secret agent, Ursula Stannard, is happy not to be involved for once. But when Ursula’s ward Mildred elopes with the handsome yet mysterious Berend Gomez, Ursula is forced to follow the pair to Brussels, where she finds herself plunged into a hotbed of intrigue and rumour at the Duke of Parma’s court, a place where no one is to be trusted.
Can Ursula rescue Mildred, effect an alliance with the duke, and stay alive in the process? The future of England depends on it. (NetGalley synopsis)
I have read all of the Ursula Blanchard series, which means that I have grown attached to many of the characters. Christopher Spelton is one that, I agree with Ursula, got away from her but continues to hold a special place in my heart. Therefore, I cried at Christopher’s loss.
I also understand Ursula. She is tired of “hearing the cry of the wild goose” as she puts it. However, she cannot ignore the plight of her half sister, Queen Elizabeth. I think Ursula and Elizabeth have had such lack of familial ties while younger that they cling to each other in a way that makes England stronger. It is one theme that I enjoy in this series. Elizabeth is strong but not heartless. She knows that she is England, that all of the people are England, and Ursula, though she is a woman, understands that more than the males.
But along with the “goose cry”, Ursula seems to attract strays. In many of the books, she takes in hand a young girl, sometimes a young boy but mainly girls, that the parents have either ignored or are unable to care for. In this novel, Ursula is still dealing with young Mildred. I find this both compassionate but annoying. Each young girl Ursula cares for is ignorant of the world or silly in love with everyone. I find this repetitive. I would like to see Ursula take in a young girl who is just like her, and falls in love with Ursula’s son Harry. Then the series could follow as if Ursula is the true spymaster, a counterpart to Lords William Cecil and Francis Walsingham.
I love this series so much. Not just for the mysteries and adventures, but for the descriptions of everyday life. I love hearing Ursula’s worries and feelings for the different strays and her children, as well as the individuals working at her estates.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
September 15, 2025
Another excellent addition to the series!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews